Fratello on the approach he took as coach in the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge: “Play hard, share the ball, have fun but don’t embarrass the game by trying to do things that aren’t really a part of winning basketball.”

Webber on the style of play in All-Star games: “All-Star games are a little man’s game.”

Sager interviewed Cleveland Cavaliers Rising Star Tyler Zeller on what it means having three of his Cavaliers teammates playing Friday night: “It means a lot. We have a lot of potential in the future to be a very good team.”

Webber on how a player’s level of play elevates in the second half of the season for players chosen as All-Stars or Rising Stars: “Usually, guys come back and have a better season if they were selected to an All-Star [game] for their first or second time.”

Sager interviewed Cleveland Cavaliers Rising Star Kyrie Irving who put on a masterful ball handling display in the game and explained how he has become so good: “I started when I was young. I used to dribble with a plastic bag on the ball.”

Sager interviewed Denver Nuggets Rising Star MVP Kenneth Faried: “We wanted to get the win. I have fun. I enjoy this game. I love playing this game and hope to play it for a long time.”

Malone on Kobe vs. LeBron: “I love to watch LeBron but you have to go with the championships. You have to go with the five championships. But, if you’re starting a team now you have to go with LeBron. Early on, you coulda said Kobe without a doubt.”

Barkley on Kobe vs. LeBron: “I never thought I would ever compare anyone with Michael Jordan but this guy [LeBron James] – even when Kobe won five I never said he was as good as Michael Jordan. This guy – LeBron James…. What we’re seeing in the NBA today, we should appreciate it. This guy is just scary.”

O’Neal on Kobe vs. LeBron: “Unfortunately, in this game, when we become great we will be judged by how many championships we have won. The great Bill Russell has 11, Sam Jones has 10, Michael Jordan has six, Magic Johnson has five, Kobe Bryant has five. Until LeBron James gets four or five [championships], I don’t think you can compare him to Kobe Bryant.”